Glarner Alpkäse Cheese vs Raclette du Valais Cheese
Glarner Alpkäse Cheese is a cow-milk cheese, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is semisoft, smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
What Is Glarner Alpkäse Cheese?
Glarner Alpkäse is a Swiss raw cow's milk cheese made on the alpine pastures of Glarus during the summer grazing season. The wheels have no holes and reach the market in mild, spicy and sharp grades. It has held AOP protection since 2014.
What Is Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Raclette du Valais is a semi-hard cow milk cheese from the Swiss Canton of Valais, sold in wheels of about 6 kg (13 lb). It holds an AOP and is used above all for melting in the dish that shares its name.
What's the Difference Between Glarner Alpkäse Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese?
- Rind: Glarner Alpkäse Cheese (natural, formed in a salt bath), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Washed)
- Taste: Glarner Alpkäse Cheese (mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening), Raclette du Valais Cheese ('Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal')
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Glarner Alpkäse Cheese | Raclette du Valais Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Glarus, Switzerland | Canton Of Valais |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk, Eringer breed |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | — | Semisoft, smooth |
| Rind | Natural, formed in a salt bath | Washed |
| Aging | — | Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker |
| Taste | Mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening | 'Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' |
Taste Comparison: Does Glarner Alpkäse Cheese Taste Like Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Glarner Alpkäse Cheese reads as mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening, while Raclette du Valais Cheese brings 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' character.
Can You Substitute Glarner Alpkäse Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?
In most recipes, Glarner Alpkäse Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Flavor-wise, Glarner Alpkäse Cheese reads as mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening while Raclette du Valais Cheese brings 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' notes.
Which Is Better, Glarner Alpkäse Cheese or Raclette du Valais Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Glarner Alpkäse Cheese suits recipes that want mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening notes, while Raclette du Valais Cheese fits dishes calling for 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glarner Alpkäse Cheese the same as Raclette du Valais Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Glarner Alpkäse Cheese similar to Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Glarner Alpkäse Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Glarner Alpkäse Cheese taste like Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Glarner Alpkäse Cheese reads as mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'.
What is Glarner Alpkäse Cheese made of?
Glarner Alpkäse Cheese is made from cow milk (raw).
What is Raclette du Valais Cheese made of?
Raclette du Valais Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Glarner Alpkäse Cheese or Raclette du Valais Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.